Company recalls dried plums because of risk of lead poisoning

A California company is recalling all lots of certain Saladitos brand dried plums because of the presence of lead, which can cause developmental problems for children and other health issues for adults.

All lots of Saladitos Dried Salted Plums and Saladitos Enchilados Salted Plums With Chili are subject to the recall issued by El Chavito Inc. The company recall has been posted by the Food and Drug Administration. The California Department of Public Health Food & Drug Branch is assisting with the investigation into the source of the lead.

“The affected product was distributed nationwide through distributors to retail stores, and online orders on the El Chavito website from Jan. 9, 2019, to Feb. 22, 2022,” according to the recall notice.

“El Chavito Inc. will work with distributors and retailers to ensure that the recalled products are removed from store shelves.”

As of the posting of the recall notice no illnesses have been confirmed in relation to the product, but there is concern that consumers may still have the recalled products in their homes because of their long shelf life.

Consumers can use the label information listed below to determine whether they have the recalled plum products in their homes. Photos of all of the recalled products are available on the FDA website.

Consumers who have purchased this product are advised to dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for refund. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. Consumers with questions can contact El Chavito via email at [email protected].

“Lead is a toxic substance present in our environment in small amounts and everyone is exposed to some lead from daily actions such as inhaling dust, eating food, or drinking water. Exposure to larger amounts of lead can cause lead poisoning. While lead can affect nearly every bodily system, its effects depend upon the amount of and duration of lead exposure and age of the person exposed,” according to the recall notice. 

“Symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, weakness, behavior or mood changes, delirium, seizures, and coma. However, infants, young children and the developing fetus can be affected by chronic exposure to amounts of lead that may not result in obvious symptoms of lead poisoning. A child with lead poisoning may not look or act sick. Lead poising in children can cause: learning disabilities, developmental delays, and lower IQ scores.”

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